Antibacterial Activity of Jatropha Curcas Extracts on Gram Negative Isolates from Oju LGA, Benue State

Jatropha curcas (locally known as Omangba or pig nut) is traditionally used as food and medicine among the Oju people of Benue State, Nigeria. This study evaluated the antibacterial potential of its leaf extracts against selected gram-negative bacteria: Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas spp., Salmonella typhi, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Proteus spp. Clinical isolates were confirmed using Gram staining and biochemical tests. Crude extracts were prepared using cold maceration in distilled water and methanol for 72 hours, then concentrated at 65 °C. Phytochemical screening revealed flavonoids, phenols, saponins, and glycosides. Antibacterial activity was assessed using agar well diffusion, with methanol extracts showing greater inhibition zones than aqueous ones and control (Ciprofloxacin), particularly against Pseudomonas spp. (21.33±0.58 mm at 400 mg/ml). MIC and MBC ranged from 25–50 mg/ml and 100–200 mg/ml, respectively. This study concludes that J. curcas leaf extracts offer promising alternative antibacterial agents, potentially reducing reliance on synthetic antibiotics and addressing antimicrobial resistance challenges.